HealtH2O Medical Fitness center opened in January 2005, the first such fitness center in Sierra Vista and Cochise County. Its small size, excellent cardio equipment, several strength training and Back/Ab classes, and Master's prepared retired nursing staff make it an excellent choice for:

- Beginning exercisers
- People with health concerns who might be uncertain about exercise safety
- People who are intimidated by larger fitness facilities
- People who need health care monitoring while exercising such as those with diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, arthritis, some types of back and hip pain, stress incontinence and more

The owners and staff truly care about the people who join HealtH2O and strive to help them achieve their goals of being healthy and feeling better.

 

	Many of the movements we do help promote better balance.
	Stretching following lifting is an important part of being physically fit. Although most of our clients are 50 or over, younger people can benefit from exercising in this manner and are welcome to join us. First class is FREE. Most people will not use weights the first class. Weights will be added as soon as possible after a health and fitness evaluation, depending on the client's physical condition and limitations.
	All classes begin most often with jokes and shared laughter which is good for the soul as well as the immune system! The first class of each day offers an opportunity for intercessory prayer: an opportunity to lift up concerns for friends and family and have prayer for them. This practice started with the classes when we met at the Methodist Church and seems to be appreciated by most people.
	Back/Ab Stretch and Strengthen classes were added to the schedule due to several client's complaints of back pain and/or sciatica. Basic exercises were compiled from physical therapists, physicians, and chiropractors as well as from fitness professionals.
	The classes have done a lot to decrease the incidence of back and hip pain in class members. An unexpected side effect has been the lessening of and, in some cases, the relief from stress incontinence experienced by several women in the classes.
	HealtH2O Medical Fitness center offers some of the best cardio equipment on the commercial market. The 4 NuStep crosstrainers are perfect for people who have problems with balance or walking.
	With the NuStep they are able to work hard enough to get their heart rates up to an appropriate level for cardiac fitness. The NuSteps are also great for strength training both lower and upper body.
	Two of our 4 treadmills are Woodway treadmills. They have a slatted surface designed to reduce the impact of walking or running. Many people who are unable to walk much because of joint problems can walk on these treadmills. Our 2 Precor treadmills offer pre-programmed workouts and decline as well as incline workouts. Precor makes the best elliptical machines on the market. The three ellipticals in our center are sometimes called the "Killer Machines"! They allow for intense workouts without hurting ankles, hips, or knees. They are great for lower body strength as well as cardio fitness.
top of page	Cardio fitness is an important aspect of overall physical fitness. With the above machines, nearly everyone is able to achieve cardiovascular fitness.
	Whether it is cardio exercise or strength work, staff is always available to monitor workouts, offering instruction on proper form or offering a word of encouragement.
	For those who need more monitoring, assistance with and monitoring of vital signs (Blood Pressure, Pulse, Oxygen) is available.
As mentioned above, all ages of clients are welcome. Our oldest member is almost 91 and several more are in their 80's trying to catch up to her!! Members bring a wealth of life experiences to share. Many new friendships have formed and a general attitude of people sincerely caring for people is one of the qualities that make HealtH2O special.

 

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Members of HealtH2O are very generous. Recently stuffed toys and other toys were collected for children of the Colonias in Agua Prieta, Mexico. These are some of the poorest of the poor in Mexico.

Other projects over the last 3 years have included:

- Collecting baby supplies for the local Care Net Crises Pregnancy Center

- Helping a church in Arkansas care for Katrina victims (over $1000 was collected)

- Support for the Breast Cancer Awareness & Research ($1000 was raised through a BCA walk and sent to City of Hope. Last year money for 2 mammograms for indigent women was raised.)

- HealtH2O sponsors a team for the Relay for Life, helping to raise money to fight cancer.

MEDICAL FITNESS CENTER DIFFERENCE

Medical Fitness Centers are committed to treatment and prevention of disease using fitness programs as a key intervention. Major differences between Medical and regular fitness centers include:

- Relationship with the Medical Community: We have a Medical Director for consultation. We have the ability to work with a client's personal physician to address the health issues individual to that client.

- Programming: We have the ability to design programs to address the whole individual and whatever health issues they might have. This includes health education as well as fitness and weight management or life style change programs. In the future, we will also have aquatic and land physical therapy. All of our programs will be integrated to best serve the client's needs.

- Staffing: Health professionals are included in the regular staffing of a medical fitness center. These might be nurses, physical therapists, health educators, and exercise physiologists. At present the owner is the only health care professional on staff with a Master's Degree in Nursing. Other staff are fitness professionals at this time.

In the future we will have more nurses, physical therapists and aides, and exercise physiologists.

Special Programs:

Call the Center for information on:
- fitness programming for developmentally disabled
- osteoporosis treatment/prevention classes
- urinary incontinence treatment program for women

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